Colin Patrick Brathwaite

July 26, 1940 – January 27, 2026

Colin Patrick Brathwaite of Rogers, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 27, 2026, at the age of 85.

Colin was born on July 26, 1940, in Barbados, where he was raised alongside his older brother and younger sister. From an early age, he was an accomplished athlete, playing cricket and football (soccer), and later traveled playing on a semi-professional team. His love of sport, movement, and camaraderie stayed with him throughout his life.

Colin eventually moved to the United States, where he began a long and fulfilling career with Northwest Orient Airlines, later Northwest Airlines. It was there that he met the love of his life, Mary “Kacie” Schmierer. Their meeting marked the beginning of a beautiful marriage and deep friendship that spanned more than 50 years. Colin and Kacie were married in Alexandria, VA and resided there until 1979 when they moved to Apple Valley, MN living there until 2000 before moving to Mesa, AZ. In 2020 they moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family.

During his years with the airline, Colin worked his way from the ticket counter to the general office helping establish and strengthen the company’s relationships throughout Asia. Together, Colin and Kacie fully embraced the opportunities his work provided, traveling widely and experiencing cultures around the world. Colin loved sharing stories of his adventures and the many friendships he formed across the globe.

Colin was the father of three daughters, whom he loved deeply. He also had many “adopted” children—neighbors, extended family, and friends—who were naturally drawn to his calm spirit and gentle presence. Children especially delighted in his playful trumpet sounds and joyful island dance moves, which were uniquely his own.

A man of deep faith, Colin was devoted to prayer and to his relationship with Christ. He faithfully prayed for his family and friends, and even as Alzheimer’s disease progressed, he continued to pray whenever asked, a testament to the strength of his spirit and faith.

Colin was preceded in death by his parents, Rawle and Vicey Brathwaite, and his brother, Hugh Brathwaite.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary “Kacie” Brathwaite; daughters, Kathy, Ingrid, Renee “Gigi”, and Marilee; his grandchildren, Joshua, Tina, James, Naomi, Nathaniel, and Violet as well as great grandchildren, his sister Coral and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also lovingly remembered by the Jim and Paula Good family, Jennifer (Bill), Christopher (Nicole), Chad (Jennifer), Mesha (John), 13 grandchildren and great grandson whom Colin cared for and who, in turn, cared for him—especially in recent years, when they helped relocate him from Arizona to Minnesota to ensure both he and Kacie were well supported.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at The Wellstead and Favored Hospice for the loving care they provided Colin in his final days. You truly knew him—his humor, his gentleness, and his spirit—and we were deeply touched by the way you spoke of him. It was clear that you saw and honored who he was, even as Alzheimer’s limited his abilities.

A Celebration of Life for Colin will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Crown Room, 20500 South Diamond Lake Road, Rogers, Minnesota 55374. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m., with lunch to follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Alzheimer's Association. Let’s find a cure for this disease!